Wisconsin braces for impact of federal sequester cuts

MADISON, Wis. - Even with massive federal spending cuts impending, Wisconsin officials say they need to know more before deciding how to deal with it.

Gov. Scott Walker's spokesman Cullen Werwie says the state is waiting for more information on the cuts before gauging any actual impact statewide.

White House budget officials say that for Wisconsin, the mandatory cuts could mean fewer meat inspectors, air control towers and military personnel, less environmental protection funding and school aid, among other things.

President Barack Obama blamed Republican lawmakers Friday for failing to stop the automatic spending cuts that are to begin kicking in later in the day, calling the cuts "dumb, arbitrary." Republicans say the fault is Obama's, for insisting that increased taxes be part of the resolution.

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